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T e Travel Guide Worldwide Travel
Promotional Content • Saturday 21st March 2026
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TOKYO © GETTY
Go beyond Japan’s Golden Route
Tourism to Japan has surged in recent years, and with 2026 on track to set new records for international arrivals, demand shows no signs of slowing
T anks to trending content across media and social platforms, and a weak yen, travellers are seizing the chance to experience the magic of Japanese culture for themselves. While many visitors stick to Tokyo,
Kyoto and Osaka, there’s far more to discover beyond Japan’s most famous cities. Language barriers and limited knowledge of local transport have his- torically made travellers apprehen- sive about venturing further afi eld. For fi rst-time visitors, navigating re-
gional train services, local buses or domestic connections can feel daunt- ing. However, that’s changing as inno- vative travel companies aim to demys- tify international travel. One of those leading platforms is
Omio, a comprehensive travel book- ing app, which has just launched in Japan. With train, bus, fl ight, ferry and Japan Rail Pass options, travellers can easily buy tickets to anywhere in the country in their own language and currency. By translating Japanese travel net-
works into a single, clear platform, Omio makes harder-to-reach desti- nations more accessible, even for the most cautious travellers.
T e ability to compare routes,
prices and journey times in one place removes much of the uncertainty that can accompany domestic travel in Japan. Booking on Omio also off ers trav-
ellers increased fl exibility. Tickets can be purchased up to 12 months in advance, allowing people to plan with confi dence and secure seats on popu- lar routes before they sell out. Japan is full of delights, and with Omio, inter- national travellers can navigate the country as if it were their own.
WANT TO TRAVEL BEYOND THE GOLDEN ROUTE? Here are fi ve alternative destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
FUKUOKA Vibrant and modern, Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu island. Visit the open-air yatai food stalls along the Nakasu waterfront and try Haka- ta ramen, a local speciality of warm- ing tonkotsu broth with thin noodles and char
siu pork. Two-and-a-half
hours from Osaka to Hakata Station by train.
HIROSHIMA While
marks are essential, its present-day spirit
Hiroshima’s leaves
a HIROSHIMA © GETTY deep historic land- impression.
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where thousands of colourful origami cranes hang as symbols of hope and peace. One-and-a-half hours from Osaka by train.
KANAZAWA © GETTY
KANAZAWA Kanazawa blends modern art and traditional gardens. Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, then catch an exhibition at the 21st Centu- ry Museum of Contemporary Art. After, visit nearby Yuwaku Onsen. Two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by train.
SENDAI Founded by Date Masamune, Sendai is home to many sites that are memo- rials to one of Japan’s most powerful feudal lords. Visit Osaki Hachimangu Shrine,
built in 1607 to protect the Date family. Known as the ‘City of Trees’, Sendai is a great spot for cherry blossom season. One-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by train.
Available on all app stores. Visit
omio.com to fi nd out more.
TAKAYAMA High in the mountains, Takayama of- fers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period without the bustle of Kyoto’s streets. Its beautifully preserved old town, traditional wooden merchant houses and morning markets give the city a timeless atmosphere. T ree hours from Kyoto by train.
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